Green energy ratchets up power in pandemic

The past three months have shown renewable energy has become more dependable, accounting for well over half of the output in some European countries. File Picture: David Creedon

Renewable power has taken up a record share of global electricity production since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Reuters review of data, suggesting a transition away from polluting fossil fuels could be accelerated.

However, before governments take decisions based on recent experiences, they will have to answer various questions, says Michelle Manook, chief executive of the World Coal Association, a lobby group for the industry. These include how the system would have coped in winter, when sunshine is at a premium, or how it will manage when the economy picks up and demand gathers pace. Ms Manook suggests a carbon-free electricity system "is not currently attainable".